In the video above I share with you my first ever experience (to my knowledge) of inadvertently purchasing fake cosmetics. I bought my Mac Cosmetics Eyeliner in Smoulder at StrawberryNET for $15 which included free postage. That is less than half what you would pay in Australia, and sadly it turns out it was too good to be true. I go through the steps we took to see if it was indeed a fake. Have you had a similar experience with buying fake cosmetics, or clothing for that matter, online?
That sucks, at least you were smart enough to realise it was a fake. My sister has purchased Benefit's Bad Gal Lash off eBay for a reasonably cheap price, well at least compared to buying it in Australia. I have it as well that I purchased at Sephora when I went to America and I was at her house and borrowed her fake one and could tell instantly. The consistency was all wrong and completely different even the the brush was small and thin unlike mine which has a big fat brush. I knew straight away and she was shocked that it wasn't the real one because everything on the outside was identical to my version. I guess sometimes it's better to pay full price because you're actually getting a really good product!
Sorry for the huge long ramble I just wanted to share my experience. I'd love to read other peoples as well xo
ive had some bad experiences with buying fake MAC eyeliners as well. theyre not even dark enough to use as pencils. Theyre absolutely terrible! BUT ive got a tip. in America, $15 is what the lipsticks, eyeliners and all thaat jazz cost (yeah, Australia is pretty shit when it comes to cosmetics and their pricing), so I've been getting my friend in america to send me over MAC products so i dont have to be jipped by the Australian market (this doesnt just go for MAC, this applies to Maybeline and all the other 'cheaper' make up we have over here..its all ridiculously cheaper in the US)
Wow, I'm kinda suprised that Strawberry Net sells fakes.. I guess it is too good to be true.
I bought a Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick off them and had no qualms with the colour/consistency etc but the lid kept on getting stuck to the inner part of the lipstick holder. So I would open it and see the inner workings of the lipstick.
I did a bit of a cheeky and took it to a Chanel makeup counter and they swapped it immediately and didn't even ask for proof of purchase. Not sure if it was a fake if it fooled them! Hmmm..
I now get my parents to buy it duty free on business trips. It's even cheaper than Strawberry Net in Hong Kong!
Firstly, just wanted to say a big thank you for posting this up. It's hard to find reputable reviews when you buy from the internet and I know a lot of people who buy from Strawberrynet who would never even know if their product was fake.
Secondly, OMG that eyeliner looks amazing, and just how I like it. I am going on a mission to Paddington to buy it. haha
I'm so sorry that you got duped, but I am REALLY grateful that you posted this! I have actually been eyeing up a lot of things on Strawberrynet lately (including MAC and NARS) products because I thought I had done my research and found some worthy online reviews of the site. The only reason I hadn't actually purchased them yet was because I had a really bad "too good to be true feeling" about it. I'm so glad you've alerted everyone about this problem...
I'm so glad more people are speaking out about this - the grey market in cosmetics is a huge issue and it drives me nuts that Strawberrynet is allowed to get away with this! I took a look recently at the grey trade in OPI nail polishes and how sites like strawberrynet and dodgy stores ruin the reputation of the brand by selling fake polish in real bottles. Ick. (this is the link, feel free to delete if you hate links in comments Hayley http://www.thenailfile.com.au/2011/06/the-grey-market-is-your-opi-real-or-fake/)
Hopefully more posts like this from high profile bloggers help get the word out!
Do more videos! I love this, you're really good at talking on camera.
I used to wear any old mascara but found since I wear glasses more often (used to wear contacts more) that it gets all smudgy under my eyes (already have massive bags thanks don't need any more black in that department), I've been using Clinique High Impact mascara lately & it's great.
StrawberryNET is notorious for selling fakes, especially skincare. I've been warned by several beauticians never to purchase skincare from there as so many people have had reactions to the fakes.
I guess the old saying "if it's too good to be true, it probably is" is kinda right!
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. I haven't contacted Strawberrynet about it yet, but I did tweet them to no response. Thanks Elise @ Stuff That I Bought and The Nail File for your link as it explains what you should do if you do get sold fake products: being sold goods that are not authentic is a fraudulent act and something that should be reported to the Department of Fair Trading. Will do that today. Thanks x
Hi Hayley, I brought a Anna Sui blush from Strawberrynet. The packaging was gorgeous and the colour was a lovely peach. However, when I went to put it on I realized it was a dud. It was not a powder consistency and thus I could not get it onto the blush brush, let alone onto my cheeks. Before buying the blush I purchased Silk Therapy for my hair. I normally buy it at the hairdresser but it was a third of the cost on Strawberrynet. Unlike the blush, I had a good experience with the hair product. As far as I know it's the same product. It's nearly finished and I'm due for a new bottle but after what happened with my blush and your eyeliner I'm not sure if I should order it again. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I bought Benefit cosmetics fron Strawberrynet and had a similar exPerience. The products didn't have the same consistency or look as the ones that I've bought from myers. They are quite crap so I didn't end up using them. Spend more and get the actual product I say
Well done Fashion Hayley excellent review - so who knows what the ingredients really are??? Not to mention these are applied onto your skin and eyes. I enjoyed your video post you should do more.
I have purchased heaps of things from Strawberry net. Including Dior, Benefit, Anna Sui and Nars. All have been real and of a super high quality. I have purchased all of these brands from Sephora and different department stores all over the world. So Im not sure whats happened here, but I would contact strawberry net and tell them.
That really sucks! I won't be using strawberry net again.. will just get the real thing! Also haven't seen a video of you before you are so cute Hayley! xx
Send them an email - they'll certainly refund your money.
I used to purchase Diorshow mascara off Strawberrynet for years, then one day a new tube made my eyes itch and swell. Bought a second tube after 6 months and same thing. They refunded my money and let me keep the item - but I think the newer mascaras I bought were fake, why else would I suddenly be allergic to it after years of use?
I've purchased a tonne of other things off SN and they were fine
I've ordered from strawberrynet a few times and most things I've recived have been great quality and I am sure they were authentic. however my last order included a bloom eyelash curler and it just feels really tacky so I suspect it's fake. Because if it isn't, it most definetely isn't worth $26 as it is in the shops here! that was dissapointing but oh well. I do remember a few years ago there was a big thing of the MAC items specifically being fake pretty sure they tried clearing that up but I guess it may still be a bit hit and miss with them. :( just be careful when buying online I guess, research the shop well and preferably use paypal as it's easier to get your money back if anything goes wrong.
Wow...that is absolutely horrible!!! Someone needs to police this stuff online...or somewhere to report these people. I am so sorry for your experience. I have not had that but will definitely be on the look out! Just found your site...will be following. Hope you can visit mine and if you like - maybe follow back! XO Carrie www.carriefabulous.com www.livefrombungalow63.blogspot.com
I placed an order back in Febuary, I received my order and straight away I could tell the difference of colour in the benefit balance and also the smell. It is definitely not the real product. I have sent numerous emails to strawberrynet and also phoned them and have received no response. I also like their facebook page to make contact that way, however my posts were deleted and still no response. So, therefore I have "fake" products with no refund or contact from Strawberrynet and am very unhappy. I will never use them again or be suggesting to other people that they should.
Thanks for this post - I was wondering if you have any tips on where to buy cosmetics at better than retail prices...Australia does charge WAY too much for makeup and skin care.
Just wanted to add my comment - I recently purchased my usual MAC foundation from Strawberrynet (for $43 vs $60) and am convinced it is fake. I have just emailed them to ask if I can return it despite it being used a couple of times, as I couldn't have known without using it (although the texture of the powder on the top didn't look right which should've been a sign...). I'm not hopeful but if I do manage to get my money back I'll be sure to update! Totally disappointed as I've always thought Strawberrynet was legit.
Thanks for posting! I have ordered from strawberry.com several times, Lolita Lempicka parfums which were ok, but then Kiehl s creme d´elegance reparateur and some Bourjois-products are fake.. Nevermind, Kiehl s seems to be ok any way and Lolita Lempicka is quite good, so I am ok.. It seems that they sell fake makeups.
Really loved this video. Am beginning to wonder myself about skincare I've purchase from SN such as La Mer. Not getting as good results as testers I've been using. Suzi x
I have had the same problem purchasing from Strawberrynet.com. I completely agree that the products they are selling are 100% fakes. I bought some Clarins and Lamer products, and they are totally different smell, texture and packaging compare to the ones I have bought in department stores. When asked about the authenticity, they never explained but to return the products to get refunds.
They have also stated in their website, to claim for reimbursement of VAT taxes when charged by customs in my country, but will reimbursed by goodwill not obligation. I filled up the form, and they never refund the money anyway. I think this is just 'Hong Kong' style marketing who tries to reassure customers to buy from them but never in reality, stand up to their promise. Shame.
Had no problem before with Strawberrynet, but I just got an 8hour Cream, Elizabeth Arden, I have used a tonn of that cream during my life - and this one was 100% fake. It smelled of Natusan Cream - the fat kind that you use on babie's bums - it kind of makes sense, cause the texture is approximately the same. I never had this problem with them before , although I suspect I got a fake cream once, but at the time I had nothing to compare with. But this cream I am sure is fake. I have also blindtested it on 15 people - all of them said that it must be Natusan Baby Cream!
I have just receieved a product (allegedely 8 hour cream, a cream that I have used for at least 15 years) that is so obviously fake - package all look the same, but the smell is 100% Natusan baby cream (the fatty one you put on the baby's bum when wearing dipers!). Blindtested it on 15 friends, they all came up wth the same answer! Did not have problems with Straweberry net before. Wont use it again now. Very expensive baby cream I got meself there...
That sucks, at least you were smart enough to realise it was a fake. My sister has purchased Benefit's Bad Gal Lash off eBay for a reasonably cheap price, well at least compared to buying it in Australia. I have it as well that I purchased at Sephora when I went to America and I was at her house and borrowed her fake one and could tell instantly. The consistency was all wrong and completely different even the the brush was small and thin unlike mine which has a big fat brush. I knew straight away and she was shocked that it wasn't the real one because everything on the outside was identical to my version. I guess sometimes it's better to pay full price because you're actually getting a really good product!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the huge long ramble I just wanted to share my experience. I'd love to read other peoples as well
xo
Katelyn
http://crosswiredreamers.blogspot.com/
Wow that is crazy! Thankfully it wasn't full price and without postage!!
ReplyDeleteI guess sometimes it is better to buy in store!
Thanks for the video :)
www.franklovesellen.blogspot.com
I LOVE Falsies mascara by Mabeleine, there is no other!!!
ReplyDeleteBut by it through Chemist Warehouse online, $7 compared to $19 at Priceline.
ive had some bad experiences with buying fake MAC eyeliners as well. theyre not even dark enough to use as pencils. Theyre absolutely terrible! BUT ive got a tip. in America, $15 is what the lipsticks, eyeliners and all thaat jazz cost (yeah, Australia is pretty shit when it comes to cosmetics and their pricing), so I've been getting my friend in america to send me over MAC products so i dont have to be jipped by the Australian market (this doesnt just go for MAC, this applies to Maybeline and all the other 'cheaper' make up we have over here..its all ridiculously cheaper in the US)
ReplyDeleteReturn it and get your money back! That's unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteA girl from work got fake Nars cosmetics. She said the foundation was a very weird texture and looked yellow. This is so unacceptable.
ReplyDeletehttp://fashionablecelebs.wordpress.com/
Wow, I'm kinda suprised that Strawberry Net sells fakes.. I guess it is too good to be true.
ReplyDeleteI bought a Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick off them and had no qualms with the colour/consistency etc but the lid kept on getting stuck to the inner part of the lipstick holder. So I would open it and see the inner workings of the lipstick.
I did a bit of a cheeky and took it to a Chanel makeup counter and they swapped it immediately and didn't even ask for proof of purchase. Not sure if it was a fake if it fooled them! Hmmm..
I now get my parents to buy it duty free on business trips. It's even cheaper than Strawberry Net in Hong Kong!
shardette xx
shardette.blogspot.com
Sorry to hear that , You must ask for them to back send back your money
ReplyDeleteFirstly, just wanted to say a big thank you for posting this up. It's hard to find reputable reviews when you buy from the internet and I know a lot of people who buy from Strawberrynet who would never even know if their product was fake.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, OMG that eyeliner looks amazing, and just how I like it. I am going on a mission to Paddington to buy it. haha
I'm so sorry that you got duped, but I am REALLY grateful that you posted this! I have actually been eyeing up a lot of things on Strawberrynet lately (including MAC and NARS) products because I thought I had done my research and found some worthy online reviews of the site. The only reason I hadn't actually purchased them yet was because I had a really bad "too good to be true feeling" about it. I'm so glad you've alerted everyone about this problem...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad more people are speaking out about this - the grey market in cosmetics is a huge issue and it drives me nuts that Strawberrynet is allowed to get away with this! I took a look recently at the grey trade in OPI nail polishes and how sites like strawberrynet and dodgy stores ruin the reputation of the brand by selling fake polish in real bottles. Ick. (this is the link, feel free to delete if you hate links in comments Hayley http://www.thenailfile.com.au/2011/06/the-grey-market-is-your-opi-real-or-fake/)
ReplyDeleteHopefully more posts like this from high profile bloggers help get the word out!
you have great skin. what cleansing/moisturizing products do you use?
ReplyDeleteOh no, I love that site :(
ReplyDeleteDid you contact Strawberrynet about it, Hayley?
At least now we know that we have to take EXTRA caution when buying things online.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your vid post, Hayley! :)
Love,
Nini
Do more videos! I love this, you're really good at talking on camera.
ReplyDeleteI used to wear any old mascara but found since I wear glasses more often (used to wear contacts more) that it gets all smudgy under my eyes (already have massive bags thanks don't need any more black in that department), I've been using Clinique High Impact mascara lately & it's great.
StrawberryNET is notorious for selling fakes, especially skincare. I've been warned by several beauticians never to purchase skincare from there as so many people have had reactions to the fakes.
ReplyDeleteI guess the old saying "if it's too good to be true, it probably is" is kinda right!
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. I haven't contacted Strawberrynet about it yet, but I did tweet them to no response. Thanks Elise @ Stuff That I Bought and The Nail File for your link as it explains what you should do if you do get sold fake products: being sold goods that are not authentic is a fraudulent act and something that should be reported to the Department of Fair Trading. Will do that today. Thanks x
ReplyDeleteHi Hayley,
ReplyDeleteI brought a Anna Sui blush from Strawberrynet. The packaging was gorgeous and the colour was a lovely peach. However, when I went to put it on I realized it was a dud. It was not a powder consistency and thus I could not get it onto the blush brush, let alone onto my cheeks.
Before buying the blush I purchased Silk Therapy for my hair. I normally buy it at the hairdresser but it was a third of the cost on Strawberrynet. Unlike the blush, I had a good experience with the hair product. As far as I know it's the same product. It's nearly finished and I'm due for a new bottle but after what happened with my blush and your eyeliner I'm not sure if I should order it again. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I bought Benefit cosmetics fron Strawberrynet and had a similar exPerience. The products didn't have the same consistency or look as the ones that I've bought from myers. They are quite crap so I didn't end up using them. Spend more and get the actual product I say
ReplyDeleteWell done Fashion Hayley excellent review - so who knows what the ingredients really are??? Not to mention these are applied onto your skin and eyes. I enjoyed your video post you should do more.
ReplyDeleteDid I mention that I saw you at Town Hall station on Thursday? I am now officially a stalker. :P
ReplyDeleteI have purchased heaps of things from Strawberry net. Including Dior, Benefit, Anna Sui and Nars. All have been real and of a super high quality. I have purchased all of these brands from Sephora and different department stores all over the world. So Im not sure whats happened here, but I would contact strawberry net and tell them.
ReplyDeleteJessica Dee x
www.toomanysequins.blogspot.com
That really sucks! I won't be using strawberry net again.. will just get the real thing!
ReplyDeleteAlso haven't seen a video of you before you are so cute Hayley! xx
lol hayley that little "oz" means ounces. thanks for the review. you should definitely do more vlogs.
ReplyDeleteSend them an email - they'll certainly refund your money.
ReplyDeleteI used to purchase Diorshow mascara off Strawberrynet for years, then one day a new tube made my eyes itch and swell. Bought a second tube after 6 months and same thing. They refunded my money and let me keep the item - but I think the newer mascaras I bought were fake, why else would I suddenly be allergic to it after years of use?
I've purchased a tonne of other things off SN and they were fine
Fist time here, shock and surprised
ReplyDeletethank God i never use these cosmetics... thanks to share the video
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog Hayley. Love your fashion tips and pics of redfern xx
ReplyDeleteI've ordered from strawberrynet a few times and most things I've recived have been great quality and I am sure they were authentic. however my last order included a bloom eyelash curler and it just feels really tacky so I suspect it's fake. Because if it isn't, it most definetely isn't worth $26 as it is in the shops here! that was dissapointing but oh well. I do remember a few years ago there was a big thing of the MAC items specifically being fake pretty sure they tried clearing that up but I guess it may still be a bit hit and miss with them. :(
ReplyDeletejust be careful when buying online I guess, research the shop well and preferably use paypal as it's easier to get your money back if anything goes wrong.
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences
ReplyDeleteWow...that is absolutely horrible!!! Someone needs to police this stuff online...or somewhere to report these people. I am so sorry for your experience. I have not had that but will definitely be on the look out! Just found your site...will be following. Hope you can visit mine and if you like - maybe follow back!
ReplyDeleteXO Carrie
www.carriefabulous.com
www.livefrombungalow63.blogspot.com
Same, I ordered from them and was so disappointed. Won't be shopping with them again. I'm pretty sure the MAC I bought was fake :-(
ReplyDeleteI placed an order back in Febuary, I received my order and straight away I could tell the difference of colour in the benefit balance and also the smell. It is definitely not the real product. I have sent numerous emails to strawberrynet and also phoned them and have received no response. I also like their facebook page to make contact that way, however my posts were deleted and still no response.
ReplyDeleteSo, therefore I have "fake" products with no refund or contact from Strawberrynet and am very unhappy.
I will never use them again or be suggesting to other people that they should.
-FROM MALAYSIA-
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post - I still wonder if there is any hope to buying cosmetics at a better than retail price? Do you have any tips?
Thanks for this post - I was wondering if you have any tips on where to buy cosmetics at better than retail prices...Australia does charge WAY too much for makeup and skin care.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to add my comment - I recently purchased my usual MAC foundation from Strawberrynet (for $43 vs $60) and am convinced it is fake. I have just emailed them to ask if I can return it despite it being used a couple of times, as I couldn't have known without using it (although the texture of the powder on the top didn't look right which should've been a sign...). I'm not hopeful but if I do manage to get my money back I'll be sure to update! Totally disappointed as I've always thought Strawberrynet was legit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting! I have ordered from strawberry.com several times, Lolita Lempicka parfums which were ok, but then Kiehl s creme d´elegance reparateur and some Bourjois-products are fake.. Nevermind, Kiehl s seems to be ok any way and Lolita Lempicka is quite good, so I am ok.. It seems that they sell fake makeups.
ReplyDeleteReally loved this video. Am beginning to wonder myself about skincare I've purchase from SN such as La Mer. Not getting as good results as testers I've been using.
ReplyDeleteSuzi x
I have had the same problem purchasing from Strawberrynet.com. I completely agree that the products they are selling are 100% fakes. I bought some Clarins and Lamer products, and they are totally different smell, texture and packaging compare to the ones I have bought in department stores. When asked about the authenticity, they never explained but to return the products to get refunds.
ReplyDeleteThey have also stated in their website, to claim for reimbursement of VAT taxes when charged by customs in my country, but will reimbursed by goodwill not obligation. I filled up the form, and they never refund the money anyway. I think this is just 'Hong Kong' style marketing who tries to reassure customers to buy from them but never in reality, stand up to their promise. Shame.
I bought an Estée Lauder mascara and my eyes continually watered and itchy, ( from strawberrynet ).
ReplyDeleteSo bought another from big department store ( exact same mascara ), no itching at all, will not purchase from Strawberrynet again!!!
Had no problem before with Strawberrynet, but I just got an 8hour Cream, Elizabeth Arden, I have used a tonn of that cream during my life - and this one was 100% fake. It smelled of Natusan Cream - the fat kind that you use on babie's bums - it kind of makes sense, cause the texture is approximately the same. I never had this problem with them before , although I suspect I got a fake cream once, but at the time I had nothing to compare with. But this cream I am sure is fake. I have also blindtested it on 15 people - all of them said that it must be Natusan Baby Cream!
ReplyDeleteI have just receieved a product (allegedely 8 hour cream, a cream that I have used for at least 15 years) that is so obviously fake - package all look the same, but the smell is 100% Natusan baby cream (the fatty one you put on the baby's bum when wearing dipers!). Blindtested it on 15 friends, they all came up wth the same answer! Did not have problems with Straweberry net before. Wont use it again now. Very expensive baby cream I got meself there...
ReplyDelete